Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

It was a real pleasure for teachers to have dedicated time with each family and their child this week, to celebrate the learning achievements that the children have made, and to share their next steps. i am always in awe of our teachers during these weeks; they put in very long days, and appear in the staffroom at the final bell full of smiles and expressing how much they enjoy learning conferences and the 1:1 conversations that they have had time to have with you all.
Thank you to all of the families who were able to visit the building display in the hall. We have put up a slightly smaller version of the display in the office foyer, so that you can revisit it at your leisure, and those of you who didn't get to see it can pop in and have a look.
Please do email me, or come and knock on my door if you have any questions about the programme.

Move to Champion St

At this stage (still not 100% confirmed, but looking probable) our Year 5-8 students will be moving to Champion St on the last day of this term, with our fully fledged start at Champion St being from the first day of Term 4.
We have plans to take our Y5/6 and Y7/8 students over in the next couple of weeks for a visit, and to then have all of the Y5-8 students there on the final day of this term, along with a picnic lunch that Y5-8 parents will be welcome to attend. More information will come out about the details of this next week.
We are also planning to have a meeting for parents of Year 5-8 students here at school on Wednesday 14 September at 7:30pm to talk through the details of the move.
During Term 4, once we are up and running, we will arrange a time for the Year 4 students and their families to visit Champion St in preparation for them being Year 5's there for the first three terms of 2017.

Cultural Festival Performance tonight

Our best wishes go out to our senior kapa haka group, Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, as they represent all of our whānu and tamariki at the Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival tonight at the Horncastle Arena at 6:45pm. Our special thanks to Sherrilee who ensures that this group is prepared to perform at their very best.

Ngā mihi

Sandy Hastings
Principal / Tumuaki

Citizen of the Week

Name Aidan Henderson - New Entrant

Aidan, you are a self directed learner who demonstrates a love of learning throughout your day. The way you are learning to embrace mistakes as a part of your learning journey shows that you love a challenge, what an amazing attribute! You are always willing, and take care, in setting up learning areas to share with your peers, you also gently support others in joining in with this learning. You are a gentle and caring class member who looks out for others.  Kia kaha Aidan!

Sharing our Learning

Kahikatea Team

What’s been happening in the Kahikatea Team this term?
We have been learning a lot of new skills through our Discovery Stations. We have been focusing on these key questions:

• How does this station help my learning?
• How are our school values being shown?
• What can I choose to challenge myself?
• Can I teach a buddy something new?

“This was helping me learn picture words. I can draw words.”



“We are writing the story of the Gingerbread Man together. We are all doing different parts.”

Each week we develop our learning and skills around gymnastics, target and invasion games. We have been focusing on:

• Moving our bodies in a variety of ways
• Developing large ball and target  skills
• Developing effective communication within a team

“I’m keeping the ball in circle using one hand.”

School Notices

Celebrating our stunning mathematicians

On September 24th our Year 7 and Year 8 Cantamath teams competed against the best mathematical brains in Canterbury, as they frantically solved as many problems as they could within the 30 minute competition. There were over 90 schools competing in the Competition at Horncastle Arena. Those of us in the audience were worked into a frenzy of enthusiastic support, as we watched the runners put their thumbs up for correct answer after correct answer. The Year 7 team answered every question correctly within the 30 minutes, earning a golden ticket (displaying their 100 points) and coming in sixth place! And then it was Year 8s turn to stun us with their mathematical talent. They also earned a golden ticket and were placed 9th. This was a fabulous achievement and very much a team effort.
The other part of Cantamath is the display competition. Again a number of our children were commended for their superb efforts.
Excellence awards went to: Gabriel Lyall, Alex Braun, Isaac Macdonald, Sadie McLoughlin, Ailie Robertson, Georgia Tindall, Daisy York and Nicky’s maths class.
Highly Commended awards went to: Joel Kingham, Declan Allan, Kristy Winchester, Rosie Zinzan Dickie and Caleb Jorgensen

Speech Competition Winners:

On Monday afternoon we were treated to a superb afternoon of story-telling from our Year 7 & 8 speech finalists. From a tear jerking tale about puppy farming to a side-splitting yarn about insane Aunt Shirley, the stories were superbly written and delivered with confidence. We wish Jordan and Oskar the best of luck for the South Zone speech competition on Monday evening.
Congratulations to:
Year 7: 1st, Jordan Hardwick; 2nd, Daisy York; and 3rd George Ryan.
Year 8: 1st, Oskar Frampton; 2nd, Vita Hindin; and 3rd William Hanlon.

Sports News

Winter tournament

After a bitterly cold day last Wednesday, we were glad that Thursday warmed up a little for our last visit to Hagley Park for winter sports.
The Year 7 & 8 hockey Red team and the Year 7 & 8 football Red team, along with four students who were playing for St Patrick’s Bryndwr rugby team, headed off to the park, as they had qualified for the Canterbury Winter Tournament.
The hockey team played at Carlton Corner, and were coached by Jenni Adams. The tournament was 6 a-side with a mix of girls and boys. The team played six games in the pool round. They won three, lost two and drew one. This meant they rated third in their pool. They drew their final game which meant they came about tenth equal overall, out of 28 teams.
The football team played at South Hagley, and were coached by Fred Simpson (Cashmere Technical’s Junior Development Officer). The tournament was 5 a-side, which is a very different game from the 9 a-side they normally played on a Friday. The team experienced mixed results, and then ended the day with a win.
The rugby boys were successful in their first game. However, coming up against tough opposition who were much bigger than they were meant that the remaining games were very challenging. They had fun and were very supportive of each other.
Many thanks to our two fabulous coaches, and the lovely parents who provided transport - Jo Barnett, Mike Hanlon and Rachel Wiscombe.

Swimming lessons for Years 5 - 8

Swimming lessons started this week at Aquagym for the Year 5 - 8 students. The students will be having eight lessons in total, busing four times a week for two weeks to Hereford Street, to the swimming pool. Shea Crotty is our contact there, and she and her staff have been absolutely fabulous at accommodating the needs of our students. Much shuffling has been going on to ensure each child is in the appropriate ability group, with the prospect of more movement as the lessons go on. Each session sees five or six tutors catering for all the levels the groups present. The students are loving the opportunity to learn with their peers and are enjoying the aquatic setting. If you have any queries about the swimming programme, please contact Tracy Inwood at school.

PTA News

Community Notices

CASPA is now taking enrolments for the Sept/Oct Holiday Programmes, for more information go online to www.caspa.org.nz or phone 03 3499260.

NEW MEMBERS & COACHING OPPORTUNITIES BECKENHAM TENNIS CLUB
Beckenham Tennis Club Motto is to be family friendly our goal is for families to play tennis together
We are open for NEW members to play tennis.
Registration interest on our new web site: beckenhamtennis club
Pee Wee Junior First Day Saturday 3 September 8.30am (already had some coaching), 9.30am class for beginners.
Junior/Intermediate TEAMS (children can serve a ball) free coaching for three weeks in September.
ADULT – EASY TENNIS COACHING for beginner adults coming back into tennis or learning. Tuesday morning group or Saturday afternoon (after 4pm).
Contact: Leanne Dunbar cell 0275 316 026 landline ph 9606021

SURFKIDS:
Childrens Surfing  Programme.
Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.
School Holidays  10 am -12 pm. 26, 28, 30 September 3 - 7 October.
Sundays 10am -12 pm from 30 October.
Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential.
Venue :Sumner.
Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at www.surfcoach.co.nz

Aquagym: 459 Cashel Street, Ph: 3810299.  Learn to Swim & Coaching.  Book now for October Holidays and Term 4. Leaders in Aquatic Education. info@aquagym.co.nz

Buildback Smarter:  The Christchurch City Council is now providing a FREE healthy home advice service called Build Back Smarter.  Visit: www.buildbacksmarter.co.nz for details re home insulation, heating options, lighting, ventilation, smoke alarms, water heating & conservation and grants /subsidies you may be eligible for.

Vintage Fashion Show:
Remember when studies and hotpants were the 'must haves' in any wardrobe? Halswell School is giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the '50s, '60s and '70s as you marvel at over 100 stunning outfits with matching hair and accessories. Visuals and music from each era will accompany the shows to get your toes tapping. You will be treated to a delicious retro afternoon tea/supper and a bar is available at the evening show.
Date: Saturday 10 September
Time: 2pm (adults and children), 7pm (adults only)
Place: Halswell School
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Ticket prices: $25 adults, $15 children
Online purchasing: Email carmeltutty@hotmail.com   Tickets can be collected when you attend the show
Dust off your purple jumpsuit, orange flares or brown cable knit vest, we hope to see you there!

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Building Update - come and see what's happening...

We are re-activating the Building Blog - which has been renamed 'Beckenham School Moving Foward' and we will be regularly publishing to this blog as new information about the building process comes to hand. We are very excited that the process which, held up for most of this year, has now reached a point where action is about to happen, and we have information to share with you.

Learning Conferences

A guide to Learning Conferences.

Next week children will have their Learning Conferences with their teachers. If you would like some more information about how the Learning Conferences run please read through this guide:

What is a Learning Conference?

A Learning Conferences is when your child will share their learning with you in their Hub. Their teacher will be in the Hub too. It is a time for your child to celebrate what they are doing well and what are their next steps in learning. Your child will practice speaking confidently, and taking responsibility for their learning.

What is a Hub?

The Hub is your child’s learning space. Usually this has 2 or 3 classrooms joined together. There may be 2 or 3 teachers who work in this space and your child will work in both spaces.
Do I need to go?
It is important that you and your child come to the learning conferences, so you can celebrate their learning with them. You can bring a support person with you too.
What do I need to do before the conference?

• Make an appointment with the teacher (through an online booking form or ring the office and they will do this for you)
• Talk to your child about what is going to happen.

What will happen at the conference?

Teacher:

• The teacher will help your child to show their work.
• They will talk to you about what your child's next learning steps are.Child:
• Your child will talk to you about what they have been working on in class.
• They may show you their work, read a book or some of theirwriting.

Parent/caregiver:

• Listen to your child talking.
• Ask them questions about what they have learnt or been doing.
• Make a positive comment about their effort on their learning.

What questions could I ask?

What did you enjoy?

What did you find hard with this?

What would you want to do different next time?

How can I help you at home?

What do I need to do after the conference?

If you are worried about your child's learning or have any questions, you can make a time to talk to the teacher on a different day.

When are the learning conferences?

Tuesday 30th August & Thursday 1st August (week 6)

What time will school finish?

School will finish at 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday. If you can not pick up your child speak to Jacky in the office. Your child(ren) will be supervised at school until you pick them up at 3pm.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Citizen of the Week

Dan Webster - Year 1

Dan, your positive, enthusiastic attitude in all situations is both a credit to you, and an inspiration to your classmates and teachers. You are thoughtful, considerate and reliable, displaying our school values in all that you do. You put maximum effort into all school activities. You also support your classmates to participate and achieve, which demonstrates your kind and caring nature.You display wonderful willingness and initiative, always ensuring that our learning spaces are clean and tidy, and doing more than your fair share. Your positivity is also contributing to great progress in your learning - what an amazing friend and learner you are, Dan! Tino pai tou rawe!

Sharing our Learning

Kowhai Team

Gymnastics

We have had a great start to the term with the children participating in a gymnastics unit. This has seen the children working on equipment to develop static, locomotion and balance skills. Hubs 5/6/7 went to the Christchurch School of Gymnastics on Tuesday 23rd August to participate in the, ‘Have a Go’ session. For many of our students they demonstrated the key school value, ‘We Love Challenge’ by attempting activities on new and challenging apparatus. They had to think positively using ‘Growth Mindset’ phrases and it was great to see the other children supporting one another. “I can do it. I just need to keep on trying. I’m learning because this is hard. People are here to help me, I CAN do it!

M.A.D. Time in Kowhai Team

Every Thursday afternoon, the children participate in a variety of M.A.D. Time (Make a Difference) activities. This term, we have been fortunate enough to have the support of some parents who have offered other options for the children to do. This term, the children have been able to choose from, sock puppet making, Wood work (making birdhouses with Mr Lee), construction, choir, paper mashe and visiting the residents at Thorrington Resthome.

Kowhai Sport

Every Friday, the children have chosen a sport to learn how to play. In Kowhai Team, we vlaue the skills that playing sports can teach us. WE have been working hard on persisting when learning is tricky, sharing and taking turns by using ll the players in our team and supporting and encouraging other with our words. Each week the children participate in skill drill and they then play a modified version of their sport so they can put the skills into practice. We are lucky enough to have been able to offer a sixth sport this term with the help of Nicola Reddecliffe, who is taking  basketball.

Olympic Learning

Over the past 4 weeks, our inquiry focus has been investigating the history of the Olympics and what is means to be an ‘Olympian’. The children have travelled around the world, learning about other cultures, and have learnt about the torch, Olympic events, the Rings, motto, mascot and have made comparisons between the ancient Olympics and the Modern Olympics. We  are looking forward to sharing our learning later on in the term in a team performance, where we will communicate our  learning through dance and drama.  Our performance will be on Wednesday 14th September at 6pm.

Writing in Kowhai Team

We have been working hard on adding detail to our writing this term by including precise language and details that, ‘paint pictures’ with words. The children have created some stunning pieces and here is just a sample:

Olympics:
Wow! She’s won! It was worth all of those years of practice. The crowd are roaring. She is so, so proud of herself. She is also proud of the other competitors. I knew she could get there, first place! Not everyone can get first place, the others were gutted.
I see the smile on her face. She is waving her hands in the air and you can tell she is so proud. The crowd are on their feet. They are so happy for her. She can see how proud her coach is. The other coaches look as devastated as the other competitors.
Arabella Froggatt

School Notices

Cultural festival tickets

These can be collected from the school office, thanks

Scootering & Cycling in the school grounds after 3pm

We have had a few near misses recently and complaints about children scootering and cycling in the school grounds between 3:00-3:30pm. Due the the number of adults and children walking around the school grounds we have asked all children and adults not to scooter or cycle in the school grounds between 3:00-3:30pm due to it being so unsafe.
If individual children are continuously being unsafe, their scooter or scooter or bicycle will be taken by a teacher to the office, so that it can be collected when parents pick them up.
Thank you all for supporting us to keep everyone safe.

Supervision after school

A reminder that all children need to be actively supervised after school to keep them safe. If you are late picking up your child, they will be asked to wait in the office area where they will be safe and warm.

Community Notices

Science Alive: Introductory Robotics (Ages 8 - 13 years) - $11 per child
Cultural Constellations (Age 5 -13 years - children must be accompanied by an adult) - $5 per child and adult

For more details and for booking tickets, simply hop over to http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/user/sciencealivenz

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Paid Union Meeting Wed 7 September - please collect your child at 12:30pm

As you may have heard in the media this week, the primary and secondary teacher's unions are organising joint paid members meetings throughout the country in the next three weeks to inform members about the 'global budget' funding proposal that is currently being discussed by government.

The meeting for Christchurch city schools is scheduled for 1:30pm on Wednesday 7th September. As almost 100% of our staff are members of the union, and are entitled, under their collective agreement to attend the meeting, we are asking that you collect your child from school at 12:30pm on Wed 7 Sept. 

If you are not able to collect your child(ren) from school that day, please let us know by clicking on this link, so that we can arrange supervision for those children who will remain at school.

Music lessons will continue as usual. Concert Band has been cancelled for that day, and Jazz Ensemble will run from 3:30 - 5pm in the hall.

As we appreciate this is likely to cause some inconvenience to caregivers, we hope that you also understand this is a national issue of concern to education,reflected in the decision that both the secondary and primary teachers' unions have taken to work together and meet during the school day. You can read briefly about the meetings here: http://betterfunding.org.nz/
Other links to information are available here, and we will share further links as they become available:

• Radio NZ Morning Report "global Budget just bulk funding in disguise" 2'03"
• Waatea 5th Estate "Education funding Proposals" 15 Aug 2016 29'39"
• "Educators join forces for better funding for learning" NZEI, 9 August 2016
• Parliamentary question time - 16. Aug 2016 - Question 9 - Catherine Delahunty to the Minister of Education
• Better funding for Support Staff NZEI

Welcome to Jo Smith

We are delighted to welcome Jo Smith to our teaching staff this week. Jo is a very experienced teacher and is joining our Koru team to take our newest group of New Entrants. Jo will work part time alongside Rowena and Andrea in Hub 12/13for the next two weeks, and will begin full time on Thursday 1st September

Learning Conference Bookings

If you haven't yet made a learning conference booking for either Tuesday 30th August or Thursday 1st September, now is the time to click this link, enter the code b3tj4 and make your booking.
Please remember that school will close at 2pm on both of those days. If you are not able to collect your child at 2pm, please let Jacky in the office know, and we will ensure that your child is supervised until 3pm.

Building Update - Information sharing

During the two afternoons of learning conferences (2pm-6:30pm Tuesday 30 August and 2pm-7:30pm Thursday 1 September) we will have displays set up in the hall for parents to visit before/after learning conferences, to see plans of the new building design and to talk to Sandy and Michelle, along with (as available) Board members, staff from the Ministry of Education, and the project management team, about the designs, the building process and the decanting logistics.
Following the learning conference week, we will then hold meetings for further discussion and sharing of information that may be more specific to particular year groups.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Sharing our Learning

Pohutukawa Team

Market Day:

This term, in Team Pōhutukawa, we are learning about economical activity and decision making. We are creating small businesses and developing products to sell at a market day later this term. The profits from this market day will go towards our camp in Term 4.
This year our market is inspired by the many different cultures of Asia and all the products available will have an Asian theme. The market day will be held on Thursday 15 September at 12pm. We will let you know more about this later in the term.

Canterbury RAMs

Every Tuesday afternoon a group of Team Pōhutukawa students make their way, excitedly, to the hall to work with Marcus from the Canterbury RAMs on basketball skills. This is a high energy hour, with fast paced action as they learn to dribble with “magic hands” and shoot hoops like professionals.

School Notices

Bookclub number 4 brochures have been sent home. Unfortunately the incorrect closing date is stamped on it. Closes 22nd August, thanks.

Immunisations:

Many thanks to the parents of 300 or so students who have provided their immunisations details....only 150 to go!! I am now sending out individual emails...please respond if you receive one, even if it is to say "I don't know how to get this information, please help!" If you have an immunisation certificate please either bring it into the office or scan and email Jacky office@beckenham.school.nz

Cultural Festival Tickets:

Ordered tickets can now be collected from the school office. Thank you

PTA News

Community Notices

Keep New Zealand Beautiful 

NZ's largest litter clean up is set to take place from Sept 12-18th.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean-Up Week’s central aim is to increase community participation of all kinds, but also addresses issues of sustainability, environment, health, crime and social inclusion. They work in partnership with government bodies to deliver on sustainable and environmental initiatives.Clean up events can be registered to happen in any corner of New Zealand at any time between September 12 to September 18th.  Keep New Zealand Beautiful will arrange to send you everything you need to ensure your event is a success.  This includes rubbish and recycling bags, gloves, health and safety guidelines, volunteer registration forms and much more.
To register an event and receive your free clean up kit see www.knzb.org.nz/cleanupweek
For more information about registering an event please email cleanup@knzb.org.nz

Active Kids Holiday Programmes

Sportastic

Okinawa-Te-Karate Organization International Incorporated